The Top Baby Name Trends of 2026 🎉
Trust me, these names are going to pop
If you’re having a baby next year — or even the next few years — listen up. We've just released our Baby Name Trends 2026, chock-full of names that are expected to drastically increase in popularity throughout the rest of the decade (at least) 🚀
Our major theme this year is escapism. 2026 parents are taking inspiration from their favorite escapist media — the books, music, movies, and more that they turn to when the real world feels too uncertain to bear.
The trendiest names are influenced by invented worlds, idealized pasts, and imagined futures, giving them a slightly magical, definitely hopeful feel.
Below, see Nameberry’s Top 5 baby name trends for the year ahead 📈
You can see more names and our complete Top 10 baby name trends for 2026 (including the surprising, much-debated trend #8) on the site ⬇️
1. Ancient Civilizations Names 🏛🏺🌏
Just like it sounds, baby names from ancient civilizations are trending for 2026. Parents have their own reasons for using them — some want to connect children back to their heritage, while others are simply romanticizing ancient history. But all Ancient Civlizations Names are chosen with the hope that their bearers will make an impact on the future.
Girls: Adhara, Eulalia, Nefertari, Olympia, Xiadani
Boys: Agastya, Aurelian, Cassander, Johari, Yazan
2. Showgirl Names 👯♀️✨💃🏽
Taylor Swift’s newest album, The Life of a Showgirl, will inspire girl parents to use sparkly, maximalist names with showgirl spirit. Some will come from Swift’s track titles, others will take inspiration from pop culture showgirls, and still more just fit the vibe.
Girls: Atalia, Elodie, Ophelia, Solana, Tallulah
3. Soulful Names 😇🙏🌙
Subtly spiritual word names are the most contemporary faith-based choices. We’re calling these Soulful Names — they’re less overt than classic biblical names, and allow for individual interpretation.
Girls: Jubilee, Olive, Samadhi, Sunday, Vera
Boys: Chosen, Creed, Kyrie, Shepherd, Vision
Unisex: Cedar, Palmer, Rio, Shiloh, Soul
4. A-OK Boomer Names 👴🏽👌👵🏼
We’re throwing out the 100 Year Rule! (Just kidding, it still applies in many cases). But some of the best “old people names” of 2026 are in line with the Baby Boomer generation. These counterculture names are unexpected on a baby, but that’s part of the charm.
Girls: Beverly, Darla, Judith, Nancy, Patti
Boys: Bruce, Hal, Ralph, Ronald, Wayne
5. Romantasy Names ❤️🔥📚🧚♀️
The hottest book genre of the decade is making its impact on 2026 baby names. Names from beloved romantasy series will rise, but overall, we’ll see an increase in ornate, strongly gendered baby names with romantasy’s signature Welsh and Scandi influence.
Girls: Bronwen, Cordelia, Esmarie, Odelia, Tamsin
Boys: Azlan, Emrys, Evander, Leontel, Rune
Your 2026 Trend Predictions
More fun things
Proof that we’re proficient prognosticators — the latest influencer baby name falls under trend #7 3️⃣
What would you name a sister to Romy and Frankie? Darcy and Coco were my favorite suggestions 🎀
Love Berry MiaLen’s list of Alternatives to Phoebe — currently the most popular girl name on Nameberry 🌝
If you want more of my lists (MiaLen) of alternatives I have them all organized here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QoTJfa8XZcJIraiEtK2_ABoftxBq_Gh7-WQ5gviuWDI/edit?usp=sharing
The Showgirl names trend reminds me of Femininomenal names from last year and the Feminine Feminist names from the year before! I think those super liquid, elaborate, feminine names are really going to characterize 2020's names!
My mom thinks Charlie is going to skyrocket, after Charlie Kirk's death. I think so, too.